Wow, What a weekend! Yesterday, we rode 85 miles from Burley to Pocatello, ID. It was a great ride, clear blue skies and farms forever. I don't think there is a water shortage in Idaho because the irrigation systems here are unbelievable. It was a hot day, about 97 degrees by the time I pulled into the hotel. As you know, this is a fully supported trip and they support until the bitter end. The vans are always visible and are there for tons of water. It was the type of day where I just poured water over my head! On most days, I feel that the last 5 miles are the hardest - regardless of whether it is a long day or a short day. Well, on Saturday, the last 5 miles were the hardest! I thought it was just me, because my legs were tired and I was hot, but when I got in everyone was talking about the 5 mile uphill at the end. Once I got in it was crazy busy with mechanics, dinner, RAP and then we did a special safety check on all of our bikes to get ready for Monday. So I apologize for not writing but I was exhausted.
These days I am feeling great, my legs feel good in the morning, my bum has also improved and overall, I am used to the routine and schedule. Today we rode 65 miles from Pocatello to Idaho Falls, ID. I had my first flat tire today. Luckily, I noticed it before I left the hotel so I had experts to fix it. Typically, when we start the ride, we start from the hotel and continue east. Today, we backtracked the last 5 miles from the night before, so it was nice to go down the hills that we rode up last night. It was a nice ride, great weather, blue skies and Idaho farms. We got in pretty early so I went out to lunch with Nancy and Adrienne, mom and daughter, who just make me laugh hysterically. Then over to the Falls - see pics below. One thing about the ride - lots of dogs in Idaho. It seems that every house has these dogs that sit outside and wait. As we bike by, they come and attack. It is really scary because you never know how far and fast they can run.
This morning I was singing Barry Manilow (dedicated to Lisa and Jack) - it was a peaceful morning.
Tomorrow we will head into Wyoming. We will be doing our hardest climb of the trip - 8431 feet to the Teton Pass Summit with the last 3 miles at a 10% grade. There are 3 climbs - and three downhills. We have worked out a plan for tomorrow because the downhills are sharp, fast and long. Nothing I want to attempt. But I do want to do all of the uphills so overall, hopefully I will only be in the van a total of 15 miles (out of 88 miles).
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| The Dutchmen, Jan (front) and Andries (back), brothers from the Netherlands. Awesome guys, amazing riders!! Cleaning their bikes during mechanic time. |
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| Jim Benson, our amazing mechanic - fixing my brakes. |
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| Idaho Falls |
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| Idaho Falls |
Woo Hoo!!! Thanks for the shout - I can visualize you singing "Mandy" while the dogs chase you! Just FYI, we are discussing a plan to be in Chelmsford for the weekend of August 6th, its only a hop and a skip to Manchester and Portsmouth, your final 2 stops...we'll keep you posted, but it sounds like a plan...keep on truckin'
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos! Love that you were singing Manilow but that I want some say in our song list for the Fond du Lac to Manitowoc ride.
ReplyDeleteI hope those around you appreciate your singing as much of the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a phenomenal time!
Keep on ridin'!!